Piano chords · Bossa beach
How to play The Darktown Strutters’ Ball on piano
By Shelton Brooks
- C major
- 4/4
- 120 BPM
- 1995
- Easy
Play the full song with sheet music
Learn The Darktown Strutters’ Ball in 5 steps
The chords first, then one hand at a time. Each step plays in the player above.
- 1
Chords: G7 – C – A7 – D7
How it goes
The Darktown Strutters’ Ball sits in C major: C is home, where the song ends. It goes round 4 chords: G7 is G, B, D and F; C is C, E and G; A7 is A, C#, E and G; D7 is D, F#, A and C. Play each one as a block with your right hand until the changes feel easy.
G7V7CIA7VI7D7II7- G7G · B · D · F
- CC · E · G
- A7A · C# · E · G
- D7D · F# · A · C
- 2
Left hand: Island seesaw
How it goes
Low, high, low in the three-three-two island rhythm. Musicians call it root–fifth 1-5-1 (root–fifth bass), an easy pattern heard in 723 songs of the library.
- 3
Right hand: the chords, held
How it goes
In this song the right hand mostly plays the tune itself. Hold the chords lightly, or play the melody over the left hand.
- 4
Both hands at 120 BPM
How it goes
Put the two hands together over the loop. Start at half speed with the player's speed control, and bring it up once every change is easy.
- 5
Ending: C – G7 – C
How it goes
The last chords are I – V7 – I, then one chord rolled from the bottom up, left to ring.
CG7C
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Questions about The Darktown Strutters’ Ball
What chords are in The Darktown Strutters’ Ball?
The loop is G7 – C – A7 – D7 (V7 – I – VI7 – II7) in C major, and the song ends on C – G7 – C.
What key is The Darktown Strutters’ Ball in?
C major, at about 120 beats a minute in 4/4.
What does the left hand play in The Darktown Strutters’ Ball?
Island seesaw: root–fifth 1-5-1, an easy pattern. It follows the chords, so the same shape works for every bar.
Is The Darktown Strutters’ Ball easy to play on piano?
Yes. Both hands play easy patterns over 4 chords. Learn the chords first, then add one hand at a time.
Made from one arrangement of this song: the left and right hands are the patterns these scores repeat most.